Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Contents Chairmans Review Chairmans Review ...... 2 Introduction, New Records ...... 3 2002 was another great year for specimen angling with many notable fish being Special Awards Categories taken. The expansion of interest and activity centring on Bluefin Tuna continued 10 Species Award ...... 6 unabated in 2002. This was reflected by an increase in the number of specimen 50 Specimens Award ...... 6 Bluefin taken compared to 2001 but the record remained intact. As flagged in 10 Specimens Award ...... 6 last years report the ISFC has amended its rules governing angling for big game Dr. A.E.J. Went Award ...... 7 fish for the 2003 season onwards. The amendment is incorporated into Rule No. The Ministers Award ...... 7 2 governing “fair angling”. On a broader front, fair angling covers all legitimate Specimen Fish Claims ratified in 2002 methods of angling (for all species) and the Committee can only accept claims Freshwater Fish Listings 2002 from anglers where fish have been captured within the letter of the angling laws Coarse Fish and Pike and bye laws. Bream ...... 8 Carp ...... 8 Dace, Eel ...... 10 Eight new records were established in 2002. This is the greatest number of records broken in any one Perch, Pike (Lake) ...... 12 year in recent times. Records broken included those for infrequently recorded species – bluemouth Pike (River) ...... 13 and electric ray – and the dab record also went by the board. New records were also established for Roach ...... 14 roach, lake pike, roach/bream hybrid, coalfish and spurdog. Other notable fish included a new local Roach/Bream Hybrid ...... 14 record brown trout for Lough Corrib and a specimen river pike taken on fly. It will be extremely Rudd/Bream Hybrid ...... 16 interesting to monitor specimen and record fish catches in the future given that global warming with Tench ...... 16 associated rising temperature may already be impacting on the availability of “exotic” fish species Game Fish in our coastal waters and on the growth and ultimately specimen weights of coarse fish in fresh water. Salmon...... 17 Targeted research into the impacts of warming on fish species will be required over the coming years. Brown Trout (Lake), Brown Trout (River) ...... 18 Sea Trout ...... 19 Anglers should be aware of an important piece of European legislation - The Water Framework Marine Fish Listings 2002 Directive - introduced in December 2000. This Directive, amongst other things, aims to prevent any Bass, Bluemouth ...... 20 further deterioration in water quality and to protect and conserve aquatic ecosystems. It follows that Coalfish ...... 21 there will be very positive benefits for fish and ultimately for angling. The Directive covers all Cod ...... 22 surface water, groundwater, estuaries and inshore coastal areas. Data will be required on the Conger Eel...... 23 Dab, Spur Dogfish ...... 24 abundance and distribution of fish species and the validated records of the Irish Specimen Fish Greater Spotted Dogfish, Lesser Spotted Dogfish, Flounder ...... 26 Committee, which extend back for almost 50 years, will provide important baseline and historical Garfish, Grey Gurnard...... 27 information on the variety and distribution of fish in Irish waters. Red Gurnard ...... 28 Tub Gurnard, Hake, John Dory...... 29 Many Irish lakes and rivers contain unique assemblages of plants and animals and it is incumbent on Ling, Monkfish...... 30 anglers to protect these natural biological communities. I am appealing to anglers to continue to Grey Mullet, Plaice, Pollock ...... 31 prevent fish species being relocated to waters in which they do not already occur; likewise non- Pouting...... 32 native fish must not be introduced. These illegal activities have the potential to destroy aquatic Blonde Ray, Painted Ray ...... 33 communities which have existed in our waters since the last Ice Age 10,000+ years ago. Many of Sting Ray, Undulate Ray, Homelyn Ray, Electric Ray ...... 34 these biological assemblages are unique to Ireland and some are peculiar to the waters in which this Twaite Shad, Blue Shark ...... 35 occur. Anglers will be invited to participate in various ways towards the implementation of the new Three Bearded Rockling, Tope, Torsk, Bluefin Tuna ...... 36 Directive and I would urge you to do so through your Fisheries Boards and local clubs and Turbot, Ballan Wrasse ...... 37 associations. Cuckoo Wrasse ...... 38 Special Notices The ISFC has worked closely with Bord Failte for many years and I am delighted that Bord Failte Establishing a new specimen fish category ...... 39 Important points regarding claims ...... 39 has recently agreed to substantially increase its annual grant to ISFC. However, the Committee is Big game fish ...... 40 facing a difficult future because of the perilous state of our finances. We are facing a situation where Important points about weighing of fish ...... 41 we may have to curtail some of our activities. New initiatives to further angling and collect valuable List of Regional Verification Centres (Weighing Scale Certification) ...... 42 data in this country through specimen fish will have to be shelved unless we find a regular source of Presentation of 2001 Awards, Acknowledgements ...... 43 income. This is in spite of the generosity of our other principal sponsors, the Central Fisheries Board Distribution of Specimen Awards ...... 44 and the Marine Institute. Accounts/Donations ...... 46 Irish Record Fish - Freshwater Species, Marine Species ...... 48 This is my first full year as Chairperson and I want to thank the Committee for all their help in 2002. Schedule of Specimen Weights ...... 50 This voluntary effort is very much appreciated. ISFC Rules ...... 52 The impossible dream by Norman Dunlop ...... 55 Kevin Linnane (1942-2001) ...... 58 Trevor Champ

1 2 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

PIKE (LAKE) – 41 lbs taken by Ian Wortley, Kilkeel, Co. Down in Lough Ross, Report of the Irish Specimen Fish Crossmaglen on 17th February 2002. Committee 2002

INTRODUCTION Up to early December 2002 the ISFC received 622 claims and ratified 559, including 8 new records. A total of 39 was rejected for non-compliance with the rules and a further The New Irish record 24 are being queried. Details of the new records, other special awards and the specimen Pike of 41 lbs from Lough Ross for Ian awards 2002 are listed below: Wortley

NEW RECORDS (Specially commissioned engraved silver medal) Awarded to anglers for catching fish exceeding the existing Irish record weight

ROACH – 1.425 kg taken by Terry Jackson, Kilcubbin, Co. Down in Drumacritten Lake on 6th October 2002 (pictured below).

ROACH/BREAM HYBRID – 7 lbs taken by Roy Gretton, Macroom, Co. Cork in the River Bann at Toome on 24th April 2002.

Roy Gretton with his New Irish Record Roach/Bream of 7 lbs

3 4 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

BLUEMOUTH – 2.4 lbs taken by Hugh Maguire, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry fishing SPECIAL AWARDS CATEGORIES out of Caherciveen on 26th June 2002. 10 SPECIES AWARD (Engraved bronze medal) This award recognises the angling prowess of anglers who have caught 10 different species of specimen fish. The following qualified in 2001:

Peter Bolger, 70 Ferrycarrig Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 - Ballan Wrasse (2002), Hugh Maguire with his new Irish record Bluemouth Bass (1995), Dace (2002), Flounder (1983), Grey Mullet (1997) Pike River (1998), Pollack (2002), Roach/Bream Hybrid (2002), Spur Dogfish (2002), Twaite Shad (1992).

Ian Mulligan, 65 Woodview Heights, Lucan, Co. Dublin - Ballan Wrasse (2002), COALFISH – 31.45 lbs taken by Rob Stott, Leap, Bream (2000), Carp (2002), Painted Ray (2002), Perch (2002), Pike (River) (2002), Co. Cork on a wreck off Galley Head on 18th Roach/Bream Hybrid (2000), Rudd/Bream Hybrid (2002), Smooth Hound (2000), August 2002 (pictured right). Twaite Shad (1996).

Des O’Connell, “Mount Eagle”, Mountain Road, Kilmoney, Carrigaline, Co. DAB – 2 lbs 5.5 ozs taken by Mick Duff, Wirral, Cork England, in Cork Harbour on 2nd October 2002 - Carp (1990), Greater Spotted Dogfish (1984), Grey Gurnard (1986), Hake (pictured below). (2002), Lesser Spotted Dogfish (1981), Ling (1984), Pouting (1991), Spur Dogfish (1985), Tope (1990), Twaite Shad (1985).

50 SPECIMENS AWARD (Gold) Awarded to anglers who have caught 50 specimens

None awarded this year.

10 SPECIMENS AWARD (Specially commissioned sterling silver tie-pin) Awarded to anglers who have caught ten or more specimen fish

Damian Blackwell, 30 Dromawling Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9 Sean Clohessy, Castlehyde, Richmond, Glanmire, Co. Cork Michael Dennehy, 71 Alderbrook, Frankfield, Douglas, Cork SPUR DOGFISH – 21.25 lbs taken by Charlie Garry Doyle, 32 Sherwood, Pollerton Road, Carlow Robinson, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow off Dun Gerry Jervis, 66 Moatview Courts, Priorswood, Coolock, Dublin 17 Laoghaire on 10th August 2001 Alan Kilroy, 82 Priory Avenue, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin Ross Macklin, 9 Summerhill South, Turners Cross, Cork ELECTRIC RAY – 40 kg taken by Shay Boylan, Colm McDaid, 3 Dawson’s Terrace, Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry Blackpits, Dublin off Achill on 24th August 2002 Robbie Winters, 110 Ballycolman Estate, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, BT82 9A The New Irish record Coalfish of 31.45 lbs for Rob Stott 5 6 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

DR. A.E.J. WENT YOUNG ANGLER AWARD (€65 Book token) SPECIMEN FISH CLAIMS RATIFIED BY THE The late Dr. Arthur Went, a noted fisheries biologist, donated funds to service this award COMMITTEE IN 2002 which is for the best specimen taken by an angler aged 13 years or younger on 31st December 2000. The 2002 award goes to: Bill Brazier, Clashduff, Broadford, Co. Clare FRESHWATER FISH SPECIMEN LISTINGS 2002 for a Carp of 21 lbs 10 ozs taken in The Lough, Cork on the 1st July, 2001. Coarse Fish and Pike The MINISTER’S AWARD (Mounted bronze medal) Inaugurated by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, this "fish of a BREAM lifetime" award is for the best specimen fish of the year (other than a new record), and Record, 12 lbs. 3 ozs; Specimen Weight, 7.5 lbs (3.402 kg) is presented to the angler who catches a fish which represents the highest percentage weight of the existing record. The 2002 award goes to: Damian Blackwell, 30 WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD Dromawling Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9 for a Twaite Shad of 1.54 kg taken on the 11th lbs ozs May on the River Barrow at St. Mullins. This fish equals the existing Irish record. 8 13 Ballyhoe Lake 6th September Alan Kilroy Boilie 88River Barrow, Clashganny23rd October Ian Mulligan Worm 8 6 Ballyhoe Lake 15th June Fred Foster Sweetcorn 8 6 Lough Derry 20th September Ian Mulligan Worm/Caster 8 4 Monalty Lake 9th September '01 Alan Kilroy Boilie 8 4 Ballyhoe Lake 6th September Alan Kilroy Boilie 8 3 Monalty Lake 7th October '01 Alan Kilroy Boilie 8 3 Lough Derry 20th September Ian Mulligan Worm/Caster 82River Shannon, Lanesboro23rd April Ashley Banham Maggots 8 Ballyhoe Lake 6th September Alan Kilroy Boilie 7 14 Ballycullinan Lake 3rd August Nick Parry Sweetcorn 7 13 Ballycullinan Lake 20th May Nick Parry Sweetcorn 7 12 River Bann, Toome 24th April Roy Gretton Maggots/Corn 7 10 Ballycullinan Lake 4th August '01 Roy Gretton Sweetcorn 7.55 Lough Kinale 7th July Shay McDonnell Maggots 7 8 Ballycullinan Lake 4th August '01 Roy Gretton Sweetcorn 7 8 River Barrow, Maganey 23rd September Ken Garry Worm

CARP Record, 29 lbs. 13 ozs; Specimen Weight, 12 lbs (5.443 kg)

25 10 The Lough, Cork 19th March Ross Macklin Boilie 24 8 The Lough, Cork 4th May Sidney Kennedy Maggots 24 6 The Lough, Cork 15th April Tony Cotter Boilie 24 6 The Lough, Cork 15th April Sidney Kennedy Sweetcorn

Niall Walker from Tipperary had this 12 lb 4 oz Carp from Gorteen Lake 7 8 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 CARP Contd. DACE Record, 1 lb. 2 ozs; Specimen Weight, 0.772 lbs (0.35 kg) WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD 23 10 The Lough, Cork 1st July '01 Robin Brazier Boilie lbs ozs 22 10 The Lough, Cork 22nd April Ross Macklin Boilie 0.38 kg River Barrow, St. Mullins 17th August Terry Jackson Maggots 22 10 The Lough, Cork 1st May John Healy Boilie 0.362 kg River Nore, Inistioge 13th August Terry Jackson Maggots 22 The Lough, Cork 19th July '01 Robin Brazier Boilie 0.355 kg River Barrow, St. Mullins 12th August Terry Jackson Maggots 21 10 The Lough, Cork 1st July '01 Master Bill Brazier Boilie 0.35 kg River Nore, Inistioge 1st September Peter Bolger Maggots 21 4 The Lough, Cork 22nd April Ross Macklin Boilie 21 4 Ballinafid Lake 28th June Brendan Doran Boilie 20 10 The Lough, Cork 28th January Sidney Kennedy Boilie 18 15 The Lough, Cork 1st July '01 Robin Brazier Boilie 17 8 Gorteen Lake 28th March Master Bill Brazier Maize 17 2 Decoy Lake 14th July Ian Mulligan Sweetcorn 16 4 The Lough, Cork 4th May Kristofer Im Sweetcorn 15 4 Ballinafid Lake 28th July Brendan Doran Boilie 14 13 Ballinafid Lake 28th June Brendan Doran Boilie 13 12 Ballinafid Lake 23rd March Fred Foster Boilie 13 6 Ballinafid Lake 28th June '01 Alan Kilroy Boilie 13 3 Decoy Lake 15th July Ian Mulligan Boilie The River Lee was the venue for Dirk Mueller's 1.7 kg eel in August 12 14 Ballinafid Lake 31st July Ian Mulligan Boilie 12 12 Ballinafid Lake 29th March John O'Shaughnessy Boilie 12 11.5 Ballincollig Pond 17th March Master Bill Brazier Boilie 12 5 Ballinafid Lake 27th July John O'Shaughnessy Boilie 12 4 Gorteen Lake 17th July Niall Walker Corn/Boilie 12 4 Ballinafid Lake 17th March John O'Shaughnessy Boilie

Terry Jackson is very EEL pleased with his 0.362 kg Record, 6 lbs. 15 ozs; Specimen Weight, 3 lbs (1.361 kg) Dace from the River Nore taken in August 4 The Lough, Cork 2nd May Sidney Kennedy Maggots 3 13 Ballinafid Lake 5th July Brendan Doran Worm 3 12 Calloughs Lake 11th July '01 Desmond McIntyre Worm 1.7 kg River Lee 26th August Dirk Mueller (D) Worm

9 10 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 EEL Contd. PERCH Record, 5 lbs. 8 ozs; Specimen Weight, 2.646 lbs (1.2 kg) WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD 3 7 Ballinafid Lake 17th May Brendan Doran Worm lbs ozs 3 6 Lough Nabreac 24th June '01 Pat Conefrey Worm 310River Shannon, Lanesboro3rd May Andrew Tabiner (UK) Worm 1.495 kg River Lee 23rd August Dirk Mueller(D) Worm 38.5River Barrow, Maganey 28th September Dan Smith Worm 1.58 kg River Barrow 29th December '01 Oliver Doyle Lobworm 3 3 Rive Barrow, Maganey 28th September Dan Smith Worm 214River Barrow, Leighlinbridge30th June Ian Mulligan Lobworm 2.706 Lough Leane 4th September John Lyne Mepps 2 10.5 River Barrow, Carlow 24th November Dan Smith Lobworm PIKE (LAKE) New Record, 41 lbs; Specimen Weight, 30 lbs (13.608 kg)

41 Lough Ross, Crossmaglen17th February Ian Wortley Roach 39 14 Lough Ross, Crossmaglen16th December '01 Ian Wortley Bream 34 9.5 Lakefield Lake 30th September Pierce Moran, Snr. Perch 32 8 Lough Egish, Monaghan 28th June Andrew Calvert Plug 30 4 Poulaphouca Reservoir 8th May Kevin McCrea Roach

A brace of excellent Perch for Dan Smith from the River Barrow in September

The River Suck at Castlestrange produced this 26 lb 14 oz Pike for 11-year-old James Farrell in late March 11 12 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 PIKE (RIVER) ROACH Record, 42 lbs; Specimen Weight, 20 lbs (9.072 kg) New Record, 1.425 kg; Specimen Weight, 2 lbs (0.907 kg)

WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs ozs 36 8 River Clare 9th August Eugene McCarthy Dead bait 1.425 kg Drumacritten Lough 6th October Terry Jackson Maggots 31 9 R. Shannon, O'Brien's Bridge3rd June Bracke Erwin (B) Roach 1.325 kg Drumacritten Lough 6th October Terry Jackson Maggots 31 River Suck, Ballyforan 5th January Anthony Kearney Herring 1.3 kg Drumacritten Lough 6th October Terry Jackson Maggots 29 8 River Suck 28th March Ian Mulligan Sardine 27 8 River Suck, Ballyforan 29th March Nicholas Ward Herring 27.25 River Suck, Athleague 8th May John Moffat Dace 26 15 River Suck, Derrycahill 28th April Noel Lane Herring 26 14 River Suck, Castlestrange31st March Master James FarrellMackerel 24 9 River Bann, Newferry 11th January Nick Parry Dace 24 4 River Bann, Toome 23rd January Peter O'Neill Rapala/Squid 24 4 River Suck, Ballyforan 29th September Paul Robinson Mackerel 24.05 R. Shannon, Shannonbridge10th December '01 Patrick Murray Roach 10.65 kg River Bann 23rd December '01Martin McNeilly Herring 10.15 kg Lower River Bann 10th November David Craig Trout 22 6 River Shannon, Roosky16th December '01 Pierce Moran Roach 21 14 River Bann, Toome 5th January Peter O'Neill Fly 9.89 kg River Bann, Toome 17th November Terry Jackson Herring 21 12 River Suck, Ballyforan 18th March Gerry Connolly Perch 21 12 River Bann, Toome 29th December '01 Gregory Dunseath Rapala/Roach 21 4 River Bann, Newferry 21st January Roy Gretton Skimmer 21 4 River Bann, Toome 20th December '01 Gregory Dunseath Abu Terminator 20 14 R. Shannon, Shannonbridge18th November '01 Jimmy Thompson Smelt 20 8 River Shannon, Castleconnell13th October John McMullan Trout 20 6 River Inny 13th March Ian Mulligan Whiting 9.2 kg Lower River Bann 10th November Terry Jackson Trout A 5 lbs 14 oz Roach/Bream Hybrid for Kenneth Crooks in April 20 4 River Bann, Toome 28th December '01 Kenneth Crooks Rapala/Roach 20 3 River Suck, Derrycahill 28th April, Christy Lane Mackerel ROACH/BREAM HYBRID 20.15 River Inny 22nd September Shay McDonnell Mackerel New Record, 7 lbs; Specimen Weight, 3.528 lbs (1.6 kg) 20 2 River Bann, Toome 11th January Nick Parry Dace 20 1 River Suck, Derrycahill 28th April Christy Lane Mackerel 20.04 River Bann, Toome 25th January Peter O'Neill Terminator 7 River Bann, Toome 24th April Roy Gretton MaggotsCorn 20 River Bann, Newferry 23rd January Roy Gretton Skimmer 5 14 River Bann, Toome 12th April Kenneth Crooks Sweetcorn/Maggots 5 13 River Bann, Toome 12th April Kenneth Crooks Sweetcorn /Maggots 5 13 River Bann, Toome 20th April Nick Parry Maggots 5 10 River Bann, Toome 12th April Kenneth Crooks Sweetcorn/Maggots

13 14 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 ROACH/BREAM HYBRID Contd. RUDD/BREAM HYBRID Record, 7 lbs. 10 ozs; Specimen Weight, 3 lbs (1.361 kg) WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD 5 7 River Bann, Toome 20th April Nick Parry Maggots lbs ozs 5 6 River Bann, Toome 13th April Barry Smith(UK) Maggots 4 1 River Barrow, 5 6 River Bann, Newferry 21st Sept. '01 Kenneth Crooks Maggots/Worm Leighlinbridge 26th October Ian Mulligan Worm/Caster 5 5 River Bann, Newferry 21st Sept. '01 Kenneth Crooks Maggots/Worm 3 9 River Barrow 15th February Gary Doyle Worm 5 4.5 River Bann, Toome 20th April Nick Parry Maggots 38River Barrow, Clashganny6th November Ian Mulligan Worm/Caster 5 4 River Bann, Toome 24th April Roy Gretton Maggots 1.58 kg River Barrow 6th January Gary Doyle Lobworm 5 4 Lough Beg 11th August Master Ian Crooks Maggots/Sweetcorn 35River Barrow, Clashganny6th November John Mulligan Worm/Caster 2.305 kg River Bann, Toome 7th April Garnett Coulter Maggots 3 1 River Barrow 15th February Gary Doyle Worm 5 1 Lough Kinale 4th August Jason Dingle Maggots 5 1 Lough Beg 11th August Master Ian Crooks Maggots/Worm 2.285 kg River Bann, Toome 7th April Garnett Coulter Maggots TENCH 2.25 kg Lough Beg 26th May Terry Jackson Maggots Record, 8.15 lbs; Specimen Weight, 6 lbs (2.721 kg) 2.235 kg River Bann, Toome 7th April Garnett Coulter Maggots 2.2 kg Lough Beg 26th May Terry Jackson Maggots 7 11 Lakyle Lake 2nd June '01 Mark Jones Maggots 4 13 Lough Derravaragh 29th Sept. Gerry Singleton Maggot/ Caster Cocktail 7 6 Lakyle Lake 21st May '01 Robin Brazier Sweetcorn 4 12 River Bann, Toome 12th April Barry Smith (UK) Maggots 7 5 Ballyhoe Lake 22nd June Brendan Doran Boilie 7 3.5 Lakyle Lake 13th July Mark Healy Sweetcorn 2.15 kg River Bann, Newferry 1st July David Craig Maggots 7 2 Ballyhoe Lake 26th June David McNamee Worm/Maggots 2.05 kg Lough Beg 26th May Terry Jackson Maggots 7 1 Lakyle Lake 2nd June '01 Mark Healy Maggots 48Lough Beg, River Bann13th April '01 Roy Gretton Caster 7 Ballyhoe Lake 27th June Brendan Doran Boilie 4 8 River Bann, Toome 24th April Roy Gretton Maggots/Corn 6 13 Ballyeighter Lake 23rd June '01 Mark Jones Maggots 46.5Lough Beg, River Bann13th April '01 Roy Gretton Caster 6 13 Ballyhoe Lake 23rd June David Matthews Boilie 4 5 Lough Beg 11th August Master Ian Crooks Maggots/Worm 6 13 Ballyhoe Lake 16th June Brendan Doran Boilie 44Lough Beg, River Bann13th April '01 Roy Gretton Caster 612R. Shannon, Shannonbridge22nd June Mark Healy Sweetcorn 1.925 kg River Bann, Newferry 1st July David Craig Maggots 6 11.5 Lakyle Lake 24th July Mark Healy Sweetcorn 4 3 Lough Kinale 4th August Jason Dingle Maggots 6 11 Ballyhoe Lake 5th July David McNamee Boilie 4 2 Lough Kinale 4th August Jason Dingle Maggots 6 10 Ballyhoe Lake 27th June Gerry Singleton Boilie 1.825 kg Lough Beg 26th May Philip Oliver Maggots 6 7 Lakyle Lake 7th July '01 Mark Healy Maggots 6 6 Templebannagh L. 12th July Roderick Fitzgibbon Maggots 1.8 kg River Bann, Newferry 1st July David Craig Maggots 6 5 Ballyhoe Lake 23rd June John O'ShaughnessyBoilie 1.775 kg Lough Beg 26th May Philip Oliver Maggots 6 4 Ballyhoe Lake 14th June Fred Foster Sweetcorn 1.7 kg Lough Beg 26th May Philip Oliver Maggots 2.81 kg R. Shannon, Shannonbridge10th June '01 Gerard Casey Sweetcorn 6 3 Ballycullinan Lake 29th June Nick Parry Cockles 6 2.5 Ballyhoe Lake 25th June David McNamee Worm/Maggots

15 16 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 TENCH Contd. BROWN TROUT (LAKE) Record, 26 lbs. 2 ozs; Specimen Weight, 10 lbs (4.536 kg) WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD 6 2 Ballyhoe Lake 22nd May Dan Smith Sweetcorn lbs ozs 6 2 Ballyeighter Lake 24th June Nick Parry Sweetcorn 21.47 Lough Corrib 19th September Marian McDonnell Rapala 6 1 Lakyle Lake 7th July '01 Kevin Durkan Maggots/Corn 19 4 Lough Corrib 11th July John Gibbons Roach 6 1 Ballyeighter Lake 16th June Nick Parry Cockles 18.5 Lough Corrib 4th September '01 Paddy O'Farrell Roach 6 Royal Canal, Mullingar 31st May Rinus de Bruin Worm 18 8 Lough Corrib 6th July John Gibbons Roach 18 Lough Corrib 18th August Rev. Francis Murphy Roach 16 8 Lough Corrib 16th September Noel Carter Roach GAME FISH 16 8 Lough Corrib 18th August Barry Farrell Tasmanian Devil SALMON 15.5 Lough Corrib 15th June Stephen McManus Rapala Record, 57 lbs; Specimen Weight, 20 lbs (9.072 kg) 15 8 Lough Corrib 23rd April Aidan Garvey Tasmanian Devil 15 8 Lough Corrib 3rd August Kenneth Ferguson Roach 14 12 Lough Corrib 5th May Master Joseph BrennanPerch 11.407 kg Cork Blackwater, Cappoquin 25th September Harry Robinson Shrimp 14 8 Lough Corrib 21st July John Gibbons Roach 21 Cork Blackwater, Cappoquin 30th September Kenneth Barry Lure 20 9 River Laune 31st May Bernie Boyle Fly 14 9 Lr. Lough Erne 31st March John Stewart Rapala 20 4 Owenmore River 21st May Peter Varian Fly 14 4 Lough Corrib 25th August Rev. Francis Murphy Roach 14 Lough Corrib 15th May Anthony Doolan Rapala 13 12 Lough Corrib 27th June Master Paul McCarthy Rapala 13 11 Lough Corrib 6th May Percy Hewitt Rapala 13 8 Lough Corrib 29th March Dennis McGloin Mepps 12 8 Lough Corrib 3rd July Tommy Summerville Toby 12.25 Lough Corrib 18th August Robin Syme Fly 12 Lough Corrib 20th July Rev. Francis Murphy Roach 11 8 Lough Corrib 17th May Roger Aston (UK) Perch 5.166 kg Lough Corrib 15th February Alan Hough Rapala 10.33 Lough Mask 18th July Sean Sweeney Rapala 10.04 Lough Conn 10th April John Gallagher Kynock Killer A 19.25 lbs Lough Corrib Brown Trout for John Gibbons BROWN TROUT (RIVER ) Record, 20 lbs; Specimen Weight, 5 lbs (2.268 kg)

10 6 Cong Canal 26th September Christopher Kinsella (UK)Fly 10 4 Cong Canal 1st March Anthony McMahon Flying C 8 12 Cong Canal 1st March '01 Victor Young Plug 8.30 Robe River 17th March Martin Ferrick Fly 7 8 River Moyola 15th October '01 Thomas Maguire Mepps

17 18 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

BROWN TROUT (RIVER) Contd. WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs ozs 6 2.5 Lough Currane 5th May Arthur White (UK) Fly 6.07 River Liffey 10th July Nicholas Moore Fly 6 2 Lough Currane 4th May James Sayers Fly 5.96 River Liffey 25th July Nicholas Moore Fly 6 2 Lough Currane 19th June Freddy Robberechts(B) Fly 5 12 River Clare 2nd September Joseph Danaher (USA) Dryfly 6 2 Lough Currane 10th September Allan Foster (UAE) Fly 2.594 kg River Nore, Thomastown10th August Andrew Farrelly Flying C 6 1.5 Lough Currane 23rd April Selena Wynn (Aus) Rapala 6 Lough Currane 25th April Bryan Hamson Fly 6 Lough Currane 11th May Fridolin Schreiner (A) Fly SEA TROUT Record, 16 lbs. 6 ozs; Specimen Weight, 6 lbs (2.721 kg) MARINE FISH SPECIMEN LISTINGS 2002

9 8 Lough Currane 29th June Vincent O'Sullivan Fly 9 2 Lough Currane 26th June '01 Sean Bric Fly BASS 8 15 Lough Currane 29th June Peter Keenan Fly Record, 17 lbs 13 ozs; Specimen Weight, 10 lbs (4.536 kg) 8 4 Lough Currane 19th April Robert Miachon (F) Fly 3.708 kg Lough Currane 23rd July Oliver Foote (UK) Fly 13.62 Cork Harbour 24th October '01 John Hall Lure 8 River Dargle 5th August John Chaney Fly 10 13 Portstewart 4th October Brian O'Neill Jensen 7 14 Lough Currane 23rd June Robert Priestley Fly 4.88 kg Tramore 13th August Thomas O'Mahony Crab/Lugworm 7 8 Lough Currane 17th May Stuart Harris (UK) Fly 4.788 kg Tramore 11th October Master John Power Razorfish 7 4 Lough Currane 5th June Allan Phillips (UK) Fly 10 7 Ballylongford 27th September Richard Rutland Mackerel Strip 7 4 Lough Currane 23rd July Diarmuid Linehan Fly 10 3 Tramore 21st September Thomas O'Mahony Sandeel 3.202 kg Lough Currane 29th June Humphrey O'Brien Fly 10 3 Cork Harbour 3rd October Mike Roberts Rapala 7 Lough Currane 25th April Bob Priestley Fly 4.546 kg Causeway Coast 12th April Bert Anderson Peeler Crab 3.168 kg Lough Currane 18th June Dr. Jan Terhorst (D) Toby 4.54 kg East Ferry 22nd September Kenneth Warne Ragworm 6.94 Lough Currane 9th July Finbar O'Donovan Fly 6 12 Lough Currane 26th May '01 Carsten Arbeiter (D) Fly 6 12 Lough Currane 30th June Paddy Hickey Fly BLUEMOUTH 6 9 Lough Currane 4th July David Herring (UK) Fly New Record, 2.4 lbs; Specimen Weight, 1.9845 lbs (0.9 kg) 6 8 Lough Currane 17th May Dennis Murphy (UK) Zukki Spoon 6 8 Lough Currane 28th June Gerard F Kenny Fly 2.4 Caherciveen 26th June Hugh Maguire Feathers 6 6.5 Lough Currane 13th August Richard Aherne Fly 2.1 Caherciveen 11th July Hugh Maguire Jelly Worm 6 4 Lough Currane 26th July Kenneth Nash Fly 63Boyne Estuary, Mornington18th May Pierce Moran Minnow 6 3 Lough Currane 11th May Bruno Jannes (B) Fly 6 3 Lough Currane 11th May John Clark (UK) Fly 6 3 Lough Currane 9th September Michael O'Neill (UK) Fly SEATROUT Contd.

19 20 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

COALFISH Contd.

WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs 17 Courtmacsherry 16th September Niall O'Sullivan Shad 17 Courtmacsherry 2nd September Marcel Audenaert(B) Shad 7.5 kg Ling Rocks 22nd September Berend de Groote (NL) Shad 16 8 Courtmacsherry 5th August John Barnes (UK) Shad 16 5 Cork Harbour 5th October John Dennehy Shad 16 5 Cork Harbour 19th October John O'Sullivan Redgill 16 4 Kinsale 3rd September Jim Clohessy Shad 16 3.5 Cork Harbour 3rd September Donal O'Mahony Shad 16 1 Cork Harbour 5th October John Dennehy Shad 15 7 Kinsale 19th October Sean Clohessy Shad

Donal O'Mahony with a nice Coalfish taken off the south coast A fine 20 lb 14.5 oz COALFISH Cod for John Dennehy fishing out New Record, 31.45 lbs; Specimen Weight, 15 lbs (6.804 kg) of Cork Harbour

WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs 31.45 Galley Head 18th August Rob Stott Baited Pirk 24 Courtmacsherry 20th August Niall O'Sullivan Shad 23 5 Cork Harbour 5th October Michael Dennehy Redgill 23 1 Kinsale 3rd September Jim Clohessy Shad 22 Kinsale 3rd September Jim Clohessy Shad COD 20 7 Kinsale 19th October Sean Clohessy Shad Record, 42 lbs; Specimen Weight, 20 lbs (9.072 kg) 20 1 Cork Harbour 3rd September Donal O'Mahony Shad 20 Cork Harbour 3rd September Michael Dennehy Shad 35 Courtmacsherry 20th August Rini Anemaet (NL) Shad 19 9 Cork Harbour 1st September Michael Dennehy Shad 30 6 Cork Harbour 17th July Michael Dennehy Shad 19 8 Cork Harbour 3rd September Donal O'Mahony Shad 23 8 Ballycastle 20th July '01 Brian Foster Pirk 19 Courtmacsherry 2nd August Mark Gannon Shad 23 7 Kinsale 17th July Sean Clohessy Mackerel 18 Courtmacsherry 27th August Niall O'Sullivan Shad 22 8 Cork Harbour 1st September Michael Dennehy Shad 17 8 Courtmacsherry 2nd August Mark Gannon Shad 20 14.5 Cork Harbour 17th November John Dennehy Lure 17 5 Cork Harbour 3rd September Michael Dennehy Shad 20.63 Schull 10th September '01Thomas Strobel (D) Mackerel 17 4 Cork Harbour 19th October John O'Sullivan Redgill Strip

21 22 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 COD Contd. DAB New Record, 2 lbs 5.5 ozs; Specimen Weight, 1.5 lbs (0.680 kg) WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD 20 5 Kinsale 21st September Sean Clohessy Shad lbs ozs 20 Courtmacsherry 16th September Eddy Weytem (B) Mackerel 2 5.5 Cork Harbour 2nd October Mick Duff (UK) Crab 0.765 kg Clifden 29th July Eric Bedford (UK) Worm 0.695 kg Clifden 23rd July Jean Luc Bart (B) Mackerel Strip 0.692 kg Clifden 29th July David Bateman (UK) Mackerel strip

This 42 lb 5 oz Conger fell to Aidan Manning fishing out of Cobh in July

A specimen Spur Dog of 12.4 lbs for Shaun Wembridge fom Bristol taken in September 2002

CONGER EEL SPUR DOGFISH New Record, 21.25 lbs; Specimen Weight, 12 lbs (5.443 kg) Record, 72 lbs; Specimen Weight, 40 lbs (18.144 kg) 21 4 Dun Laoghaire 10th August '01 Charles Robinson Mackerel 52 5 Guileen 10th July Sean Clohessy Mackerel 21 1 Dun Laoghaire 10th August '01 Charles Robinson Mackerel 23.1 kg Valentia 6th June Erich Elit (D) Coley 20 12 Dun Laoghaire 16th September '01Eric Byrne Mackerel Flapper 44 3 Crosshaven 24th March Charles Robinson Mackerel 20 Dun Laoghaire 10th August '01 Charles Robinson Ragworm baited Feathers 42 5 Cork Harbour 21st July Aidan Manning Mackerel 19 Dun Laoghaire 5th October Colm Reid Mackerel Flapper 41 East Ferry 20th June Robert Acors (UK) Mackerel

23 24 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

SPUR DOGFISH Contd. SPUR DOGFISH Contd.

WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs ozs 18 1 Ballycastle 18th November '01Liam Longmore Mackerel Strip 12 12 Dun Laoghaire 15th September Mark Sheeran Mackerel Fillet 16 8 Dun Laoghaire 28th July '01 Dennis Pedersen Mackerel 5.75 kg Ballycastle 2nd June Robin Boyd Mackerel 16 8 Dun Laoghaire 1st June Griffin Craven Mackerel Flapper 12 10 Greystones 3rd August Derek Kilbey Mackerel 16 8 Dun Laoghaire 1st June Sean Kneafsey Mackerel Strip 5.67 kg Ballycastle 15th September Brian Foster Mackerel Flapper 7.4 kg Ballycastle 5th August Ken Arnold Mackerel baited Muppet 12.5 Dun Laoghaire 6th October Eric Byrne Mackerel Flapper 16 Dun Laoghaire 16th September '01Eric Byrne Mackerel 12 8 Dun Laoghaire 5th October Terry Kedney Mackerel Flapper 16 Dun Laoghaire 2nd September '01Joseph Rigter Mackerel 12 8 Dun Laoghaire 15th September Conor Devine Mackerel Strip 15 12 Dun Laoghaire 28th July '01 Dennis Pedersen Mackerel 12.4 Downings 18th September Shaun Wembridge (UK)Mackerel 15 8 Dun Laoghaire 1st June Patrick Denagher Mackerel Flapper 12 5 Ballycastle Bay 2nd September '01John Winton Ragworm/Mackerel 15 8 Dun Laoghaire 1st June Neill Whelan Mackerel Flapper 5.465 kg Portrush 25th October David Vance Mackerel/Squid Cocktail 15 8 Dun Laoghaire 4th August James Magrane Mackerel Strip 12 Ballycastle 18th November '01Liam Longmore Mackerel Strip 15 Dun Laoghaire 23rd September '01Ian Atkinson Mackerel 12 Dun Laoghaire 21st October '01 Gerry Jervis Baited Feathers 15 Dun Laoghaire 11th August Peter Bolger Mackerel Flapper 12 Dun Laoghaire 28th July '01 Dennis Nauntoff Mackerel Flapper 15 Dun Laoghaire 4th August Ian Fox Mackerel Strip 12 Dun Laoghaire 6th October Gerry Edwards Mackerel Flapper 14 8 Dun Laoghaire 23rd September '01Dennis Pedersen Mackerel 12 Dun Laoghaire 5th October Master Joseph ConnollyMackerel Strip 14 8 Dun Laoghaire 1st June Christy Kennedy Mackerel Flapper 6.55 kg Ballycastle 21st September Brian Foster Trout Fillet GREATER SPOTTED DOGFISH 14 4 Dun Laoghaire 25th September Colette Boylan Mackerel Flapper Record, 23 lbs. 12 ozs; Specimen Weight, 16 lbs (7.257 kg) 6.45 kg Ballycastle 5th August David Craig Mackerel 14 Ballycastle 18th November '01Graeme Blair Sprat 14 Dun Laoghaire 27th September Dennis Pedersen Mackerel 16 8 East Ferry 7th September Patrick Kearns Baited Pirk 14 Dun Laoghaire 28th September Gintaras Vaitkus Mackerel Strip 16 Dun Laoghaire 28th July '01 Jens Martin Pedersen (DK)Mackerel 14 Dun Laoghaire 18th August Patrick Byrne Mackerel Flapper 6.25 kg Ballycastle 5th August David Craig Mackerel LESSER SPOTTED DOGFISH 6.135 kg Ballycastle 21st September Brian Foster Trout Fillet Record, 4 lbs. 4 ozs; Specimen Weight, 3.25 lbs (1.4737 kg) 13 8 Dun Laoghaire 14th July Dennis Nauntoft Ragworm 13 8 Dun Laoghaire 25th August '01 Russell Lalor Mackerel Flapper 1.54 kg Ballycastle 17th February David Craig Mackerel/Muppet 13 8 Dun Laoghaire 18th August Paul Hanney Mackerel Flapper 3.31 Downings 5th September Frans Brouwer (NL) Mackerel 6.05 kg Ballycastle 5th August David Craig Mackerel 3 4 Ballycastle 17th December '01David Craig Mackerel 13 Dun Laoghaire 23rd September '01John Whelan Mackerel 13 Dun Laoghaire 21st October '01 Tony Byrne Baited Feathers FLOUNDER 13 Dun Laoghaire 23rd September '01John Whelan Mackerel baited Feathers 13 Dun Laoghaire 6th October Dennis Pedersen Whiting Record, 4.91 lbs. Specimen Weight, 3 lbs (1.361 kg) 13 Dun Laoghaire 23rd August Joe Lawrence Mackerel Flapper 12 12 Ballycastle 1st January Liam Longmore Mackerel Strip 3.30 Cullenstown 25th November '01Paul Hutchinson Crab 12 12 Dun Laoghaire 25th August '01 Colin Bell Mackerel 3.10 Pilmore 27th October '01 Master Patrick Coakley Crab

25 26 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 GARFISH (BELONE BELLONE) RED GURNARD Record, 3 lbs. 10.25 ozs; Specimen Weight, 3 lbs (1.361 kg) Record, 3 lbs 9.5 ozs; Specimen Weight, 2 lbs; (0.907 kg)

WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs ozs 3.21 Crosshaven 18th September Jan Daman (NL) Baited feathers 1.28 kg Port na Blagh 20th October '01 Stephen McGowan Mackerel Strip 2.80 Cork Harbour 1st October Tony Tait (UK) Mackerel 2 8 Brandon 3rd August Jim Clohessy Mackerel Strip 1.2 kg Kinsale 8th September Christopher Eyres (UK) Sandeel 2.44 Culdaff Bay 22nd September Mark O'Connor Hokkai 2.6 Courtmacsherry 4th October Dominique Grenier (F) Mackerel Strip 2.4 Downings 14th September Shirley Reilly Mackerel Strip 1.115 kg Brownstown Head, 2.3 Downings 13th October Mark Porter Baited Feathers Co. Waterford 26th August '01 Brian O'Neill Mackerel Strip 1.036 kg Clare Island 15th September Gerry Lundy Redgill 2.25 Downings 21st September Trevor Ryder Mackerel Strip GREY GURNARD 1.02 kg Clifden 15th September Sean Ormond Baited Feathers 2.16 Downings 19th August Puk Van Gaalen (NL) Baited Feathers Record, 3 lbs. 1 oz; Specimen Weight, 1.5 lbs; (0.680 kg) 2.1 Downings 27th September Gerald Kelly Mackerel Strip 2.05 Downings 4th August J. W. Stoop (NL) Mackerel 1.75 Dun Laoghaire 28th October '01 Dennis Pedersen Ragworm/Mackerel 2.03 Achill 20th September John Baldie (UK) Mackerel Strip 1 12 Dun Laoghaire 25th July '01 Thomas Nauntoft (DK) Ragworm baited feathers 1 12 Dun Laoghaire 26th August '01 Charles Robinson Mackerel 1 11 Downings 22nd July John Beswick (UK) Mackerel 1.54 Downings 19th July Master Darryl Campbell Mackerel Strip 1 8.25 Port na Blagh 12th September Bennie Bots (NL) Mackerel 1.5 Downings 22nd July James Barrett (UK) Mackerel Strip 1.5 Dun Laoghaire 26th August '01 Gavin Tobin Baited Feathers 1 8 Dun Laoghaire 26th August '01 Des Daly Mackerel baited feathers 1 8 Dun Laoghaire 25th July '01 Thomas Nauntoft (DK) Ragworm baited feathers

Robert Morgan from Co. Down with his specimen Tub Gurnard of 5.5 lbs taken off Downings

Jim Clohessy is very happy with this Red Gurnard of 2 lbs 8 ozs

27 28 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 TUB GURNARD LING Record, 12 lbs 3.5 ozs; Specimen Weight, 5 lbs (2.268 kg) Record, 48 lbs 8 ozs; Specimen Weight, 25 lbs (11.340 kg)

WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs ozs 9 14 Achill 14th September David Langford Mackerel Strip 42 12 Cork Harbour 18th July Michael Dennehy Mackerel 7.20 Downings 2nd October Declan Power Mackerel Strip 30.71 Baltimore 16th July Charles Boettger (UK) Coalie Flapper 7.2 Downings 13th October Robbie Winters Baited Feathers 29 12 Valentia 23rd June Gareth Broom (UK) Mackerel 2.98 kg Port na Blagh 16th June Nigel Clarke Mackerel Strip 29.35 Baltimore 2nd September Ian Latham Pirk 6 8 Wexford 22nd April William Broaders Peeler Crab/Rag Cocktail 28.13 Baltimore 16th July Charles Boettger (UK) Mackerel 6.33 Downings 22nd August Joop Van Der Meer (NL)Mackerel Flapper 28 Valentia 24th September '01 Stephen Casey Mackerel 6.25 Downings 2nd October Richard Walsh Mackerel baited 27.91 Baltimore 16th July Raymond Lilley (UK) Mackerel Hokkai 27.84 Baltimore 31st August Ronald Surgenor Mackerel 5.65 Downings 2nd October Ultan O'Brien Mackerel Strip 27 8 Courtmacsherry 23rd April Peter Honsbeek (NL) Mackerel/ Squid/Muppet 5.5 Downings 30th September Robert Morgan Mackerel Flapper 27.15 Baltimore 2nd September Ronald Surgenor Mackerel 5.40 Achill 26th September Joe Redmond Mackerel Strip 26.58 Baltimore 16th July Barry Wood (UK) Mackerel Fillet 5.32 Killala Bay 17th July Vincent Gallagher Mackerel Strip 26 Youghal 28th August Mark Lee Mackerel 5.3 Downings 14th September John Munnelly Mackerel 25.6 Valentia 20th August Hans Ligtuoet (NL) Mackerel Fillet 5.3 Downings 13th October Robbie Winters Baited Feathers 25 2 Kinsale 26th August Jim Clohessy Shad 5 2 Brandon Bay 26th August Liam Griffin Mackerel/Hokkai 25 Kinsale 11th June '01 Roy van der Hoff (NL) Mackerel Strip HAKE MONKFISH Record, 25 lbs 5.5 ozs; Specimen Weight, 10 lbs (4.536 kg) Record, 73 lbs; Specimen Weight, 50 lbs (22.68 kg)

4.571 kg East Ferry 25th August Des O’Connell Baited Gremlins 55 8 Tralee Bay 6th June Philip O'Sullivan Mackerel Fillet 54 Tralee Bay 23rd June Philip O'Sullivan Mackerel Fillet JOHN DORY Record, 7 lbs 8 ozs; Specimen Weight, 4 lbs (1.814 kg)

4.59 kg Brandon Bay 10th July Derek E Harvey (UK) Cod Feathers Frank Lynn Michael took this 5.5 lb Dennehy had Grey Mullet this 42 lb 12 oz from the Ling fishing Broadmeadow out of Cork River Harbour in July (left)

29 30 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 GREY MULLET POLLACK Contd. Record, 9.10 lbs; Specimen Weight, 5 lbs (2.268 kg) WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs ozs 12 7 Cork Harbour 20th August '01 J. M de Vries (NL) Jellyworm 6.32 Courtmacsherry 29th August Stephen Blake Mackerel Strip 5.635 kg Culdaff 21st September Des Mills Redgill 6 2 Dingle Peninsula 18th September Brian Cooke Mackerel Strip 12.4 Downings 20th September Dermot McCalmont Leadhead 2.7 kg Clifden 15th September John Brittain Bread 12.25 Downings Bay 24th August Master Sean Dillon Lure 12 4 Caherciveen 4th May Peter Bolger Jellyworm 2.462 kg Broadmeadow River, Swords25th July Frank Lynn Fly 12 1 Cork Harbour 12th October Liam Dennehy Jellyworm 5.31 Broadmeadow River, Swords23rd July Andrew White Bread 2.4 kg Clifden 2nd September John Brittain Bread 12 Courtmacsherry 1st September Ron McKie (UK) Redgill 5 2 Cartron Bay, Sligo 15th September Gerry Singleton Bread 12 Courtmacsherry 6th August Tom van Lohuizen (NL) Mackerel Strip 5 2 Tralee Bay 6th August Colm McDaid Mackerel Strip 12 Courtmacsherry 30th June Paul Mehrer (UK) Baited Feathers 5.12 River Liffey 5th July Gerry Jervis Bread 12 Courtmacsherry 29th July Frank Bisschops (NL) Twister 5.01 Rosscarbery 12th July Guy Pitcher (UK) Bread 5 River Liffey 5th July Gerry Jervis Bread POUTING Record, 4 lbs. 13.5 ozs; Specimen Weight, 3 lbs (1.361 kg)

PLAICE 3.72 Courtmacsherry 11th July Richard Ottevanger (NL) Mackerel Strip Record, 8.23 lbs; Specimen Weight, 4 lbs (1.814 kg) 3 11 Guileen 7th June Edward Howard Mackerel Strip 1.575 kg Kinsale 2nd August David Clavin Ragworm 2.38 kg Cork Harbour 2nd December '01 Michael Dennehy Razorfish 3.47 Ballydavid 22nd August Bob de Heus (NL) Mackerel Fillet 4 10 Guileen 16th November Jim Clohessy Ragworm 3.43 Courtmacsherry 28th July Pat Higgins Baited Hokkai 1.895 kg Causeway Coast 15th September Ivan Seeds Ragworm 3.2 Courtmacsherry 24th September Rob Kerskes (NL) Mackerel Strip 3.11 Baltimore 14th September Frederick Wallace (UK) Mackerel Fillet

POLLACK Record, 19 lbs. 3 ozs; Specimen Weight, 12 lbs (5.443 kg)

14 14 Cork Harbour 5th October Michael Dennehy Shad 6.695 kg Ballycotton 7th August Peter Manning Redgill Tony Tait from England 6.47 kg Ballycastle 15th September Sam Oliver Jellyworm with a fine Blonde Ray 6.3 kg Ballycastle 16th September Fred Roe (UK) Jellyworm of 28 lbs 12 ozs from 6.16 kg Donegal 14th July Raymond Fox Eel Cork Harbour 13 2 Causeway Coast 28th October '01 Geoffrey Cupples Sandeel 13 Courtmacsherry 3rd August Hans Zanden v/d (NL)Shad 5.675 kg Ballycastle 16th September David Craig Mackerel Flapper

31 32 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 BLONDE RAY PAINTED RAY Contd. Record, 36 lbs. 8 ozs; Specimen Weight, 25 lbs (11.34 kg) WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs ozs 10 9 Gowlaine Strand, Co. Kerry14th October '01 Stephen Shields Sandeel 28 12 Cork Harbour 9th July Tony Tait (UK) Mackerel 10 6 Castlegregory 23rd August Ian Mulligan Sandeel 26 7 Cork Harbour 9th May Tom McCrossan Mackerel Strip 10 4 Tralee Bay 12th May Jimmy O'Sullivan Mackerel/Crab 26 6 Cork Harbour 8th September Michael Dennehy Mackerel/Ragworm 10 2 Tramore 28th September Thomas O'Mahony Mackerel 26 East Ferry 28th September Glen Symes (UK) Mackerel Strip 25 East Ferry 28th September Peter Price (UK) Mackerel/Squid STING RAY Record, 33.2 kg; Specimen Weight, 30 lbs (13.608 kg)

59 Tralee Bay 25th April Michael Wall Mackerel Strip 58 Tralee Bay 24th May '01 Michael Wall Mackerel 50 Tralee Bay 14th April John Martin O'Sullivan Mackerel 45 Tralee Bay 24th May '01 Michael Wall Mackerel 43 Tralee Bay 14th July John Twomey Peeler Crab 42 Tralee Bay 24th May '01 Michael Wall Mackerel 31 Tralee Bay 23rd June Master Stephen O'SullivanMackerel

A 59 lb Stingray for Michael Wall UNDULATE RAY in Tralee Bay before being Record, 18 lbs; Specimen Weight, 14 lbs (6.35 kg) returned alive

14 7 Tralee Bay 28th July Liam Griffin Mackerel 14 2 Tralee Bay 25th July Colm McDaid Mackerel HOMELYN RAY Record, 8.28 lbs; Specimen Weight, 5 lbs (2.268 kg)

5 8 Tralee Bay 23rd June Colm McDaid Mackerel/Squid Cocktail PAINTED RAY ELECTRIC RAY Record, 17.21 lbs; Specimen Weight, 10 lbs (4.536 kg) New Record, 40 kg; Specimen Weight, 20 lbs (9.072kg) 5.8 kg Tramore Bay 20th September Master Simon Noonan Mackerel 11 8 Tramore Bay 25th September Joe Hennessy Mackerel Strip 40 kg Achill 24th August Shay Boylan Mackerel 11 4 Tralee Bay 15th August '01 Michael Hurley Mackerel 11 3 Castlegregory 21st August Ian Mulligan Sandeel

33 34 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 TWAITE SHAD THREE BEARDED ROCKLING Record, 1.54 kg; Specimen Weight, 2.4255 lbs (1.1 kg) Record, 3 lbs 1 oz; Specimen Weight, 1.75 lbs (0.794 kg)

WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs ozs 1.54 kg River Barrow, St. Mullins 11th May Damien Blackwell Tasmanian Devil 0.99 kg Cobh 20th October Christy Barrett McEvoy Mackerel Strip 3.25 St. Mullins 11th May Noel Lane Tasmanian Devil 0.9 kg Valentia 8th September Kevin O'Keefe Crab/Ragworm 3 2.5 St. Mullins 8th May Ian Mulligan Tasmanian Devil 1.9 Moneypoint 15th May Bert Smit (NL) Mackerel 3 2 St. Mullins 8th May Ian Mulligan Tasmanian Devil 1.85 Moneypoint 15th May Bert Smit (NL) Mackerel 1.34 kg St. Mullins 11th May Damian Blackwell Tasmanian Devil 0.81 kg Cobh 23rd November Stephen‘01 Hallissey Mackerel/Squid 2 15 St. Mullins 11th May Tom Fullam Tasmanian Devil 0.805 kg Dunmore East 12th May Noel O'Sullivan Crab 2 14 St. Mullins 10th May Nicholas Ward Tasmanian Devil 1.28 kg St. Mullins 16th May Roy Gretton Lure 1.28 kg St. Mullins 16th May Roy Gretton Lure 2 12.5 St. Mullins 11th May Roy Gretton Lure TOPE 2 12 St. Mullins 12th May Chris Bremner Tasmanian Devil Record, 66 lbs 8ozs; Specimen Weight, 40 lbs (18.144 kg) 1.235 kg St. Mullins 7th May Brian O'Neill Tasmanian Devil 2 11 St. Mullins 11th May Margaret Cook Tasmanian Devil 20.95 kg Greystones 18th August Master Aaron Baugh Mackerel Flapper 2 10.5 St. Mullins 8th May Ian Mulligan Tasmanian Devil 20.05 kg Greystones 6th October Master Oisin Baugh Mackerel Flapper 2 10 St. Mullins 8th May John Mulligan Tasmanian Devil 19.50 kg Greystones 6th October Philip Baugh Mackerel Flapper 2 10 St. Mullins 11th May Master Pierce Moran Rapala 42 Tralee Bay 1st June Liam Griffin Mackerel Flapper 2.62 St. Mullins 8th May Pat Foster Tasmanian Devil 1.18 kg St. Mullins 12th May Noel Lane Tamanian Devil TORSK 1.165 kg St. Mullins 12th May Gerry Jervis Tasmanian Devil Record, 10 lbs 11 ozs; Specimen Weight, 6 lbs (2.721 kg) 1.165 kg St. Mullins 12th May Peter Bolger Tasmanian Devil 2 9 St. Mullins 12th May Oliver Doyle Tasmanian Devil 7.96 Downings 21st July Stephen Farrell (UK) Mackerel Flapper 2.55 St. Mullins 8th May Pat Foster Tasmanian Devil 1.14 kg St. Mullins 8th May Michael Ennis Tasmanian Devil 2.51 St. Mullins 9th May Pat Foster Tasmanian Devil BLUEFIN TUNA 2.51 St. Mullins 9th May Bill Ryan Tasmanian Devil Record, 440 kg; Specimen Weight, 330.75 lbs (150 kg) 2.5 St. Mullins 16th May Gerry Jervis Tasmanian Devil 2 8 St. Mullins 9th May John Bermingham Lure 870.2 Donegal Bay 18th September Marco Whittle Power Squid /Stinger 2.47 St. Mullins 9th May Bill Ryan Tasmanian Devil 708 Clifden 7th October Martin O'Malley Squid 285 kg Rossan Point, Donegal8th October Kieran Rice Artificial Squid BLUE SHARK 270 kg Donegal Bay 16th August Stephen Black Artificial Squid 466 Clifden 18th October Raymond Lawlor Squid Record, 206 lbs; Specimen Weight, 100 lbs (45.359 kg) 387 Clifden 19th Setpember Jan Jaspers (NL) Plug 140 Kinsale 26th August Les Hanlon Mackerel 125 Youghal 5th August Sidney Kennedy Mackerel 121 Kinsale 18th July Les Hanlon Mackerel 48.7 kg Clonakilty 18th July Mark Thomas (UK) Mackerel 107 Dunmore East 16th August Joe Hennessy Mackerel 35 36 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 TURBOT CUCKOO WRASSE Record, 34 lbs; Specimen Weight, 18 lbs (8.165 kg) Record, 2 lbs 7 ozs; Specimen Weight, 1.25 lbs (0.567 kg)

WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD WEIGHT PLACE DATE CAPTOR METHOD lbs ozs lbs oz 8.350 Red Bay, Co. Antrim1st September Peter McAuley Mackerel Strip 0.768 kg Kilmore Quay 7th July Paul Sweeney Sandeel 0.72 kg Ballycastle 21st September Sam Oliver Baited Feathers BALLAN WRASSE 0.718 kg Clonakilty 3rd September Cris Lane Mackerel 0.716 kg Clew Bay 28th September Martin Carey Ragworm Record, 4.3 kg; Specimen Weight, 4.75 lbs (2.154 kg) 0.708 kg Port na Blagh 22nd September '01 Martien Bots (NL) Mackerel baited Hokkai 0.7 kg Clifden 9th September Harry Van Rijt (NL) Baited Feathers 2.9 kg Kerry Head 23rd August Peter Bolger Crab 0.66 kg Portrush 7th July '01 Stuart Langridge Ragworm 5 8 Kerry Head 8th September Ian Mulligan Peeler Crab 0.64 kg Portrush 27th September '01 H Colgan Mackerel Strip 5 7 Kerry Head 2nd September Ian Mulligan Peeler Crab 0.61 kg Ballycastle 27th August Lyle Miller Mackerel 2.45 kg Clifden 28th July John Elms (UK) Launce 0.595 kg Dunmore East 4th August Tom Butler Baited Feathers 2.448 kg Kilmore Quay 28th August Paddy McSteen Ragworm 0.58 kg Pullen, Beara 28th August Richard Taylor (UK) Mackerel 5 4 Kerry Head 31st August Michael Hennessy Peeler Crab 0.572 kg Clifden 3rd September Mark McCaughan Baited Feathers 5 4 Kerry Head 31st August Michael Hennessy Peeler Crab 5 4 Kerry Head 8th September Michael Hennessy Peeler Crab 5 4 Kerry Head 8th September Eamon Power Peeler Crab 2.345 kg Clifden 29th October Erwin Stengele (D) Feathers 5 2 Kerry Head 8th September Ian Mulligan Peeler Crab 5 Bridges of Ross 21st August Bill Ryan Crab 2.25 kg Kerry Head 23rd August Peter Bolger Crab 414St. John's Point, Donegal9th June Robbie Winters Crab 4 13 Kerry Head 8th September Eamon Power Peeler Crab 2.165 kg Kerry Head 22nd August Peter Bolger Crab 2.16 kg Hook Head 8th August David Roche Ragworm

Ramore Head in July was the venue for Stuart Langridge's Cuckoo Wrasse

37 38 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

Closed seasons: Closed seasons apply to several species (e.g. bass, brown trout, Special Notices salmon etc). Any fish taken in the closed season for that species will not be ratified. ESTABLISHING A NEW SPECIMEN FISH CATEGORY Maximum number of claims per species: A maximum of three (3) awards will be made to any particular claimant for a single species in any one year. However, An important function of the ISFC is to act as a focal point for data collection on the provision will be made that when the angler achieves this target and subsequently occurrence of notable, rare or unusual species taken on rod and line in Irish waters. In captures larger fish, these will be taken into account but the final number of awards for some instances this has led to species previously regarded as “unusual” being added to any species in a single year will not be more than three awards. By including this latter the list of eligible species. Examples from recent years include smooth hound (Mustelas provision, it will ensure that the anglers’ competitive spirit is kept up and higher asterias) and three bearded rockling (Gaidropsarus vulgaris), (from 1983), garfish achievements could still be sought. (Bellone svetovidovi) (from 1986), torsk (Brosme brosme) (from 1988), trigger fish (Balistes carolinensis) (from 1992), Bluemouth (Helicolenus dactylopterus) (from Exclusion from specimen status (stocked fish and Common Skate): 2002) and Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga)(from 2002). Where species of fish are introduced to a fishery at or above existing specimen weights, those species from that particular fishery shall not be considered for specimen or record The decision to establish a new specimen fish category is taken with due consideration status. Escapees from fish farms either freshwater or marine are also excluded. of the information available to the Committee. One of the principle criteria is that the species should be captured in the ordinary course of angling. Other important factors In 1976 the Committee, in the interests of conservation of the species, decided to include the numbers of the species taken over a given period, the distribution of the remove the Common Skate (Raja batis) from the list of eligible fishes and not to species and the weight of individual fish in comparison to their likely maximum consider any claims whatsoever, except for a possible new record (i.e., a fish weighing achievable weight. in excess of 221 lbs.) The Committee has been delighted with the response to its appeal and it is gratifying to know that in most angling centres throughout the country, common skate are returned unharmed to the water. The situation came up for review To begin the process of attempting to establish a new specimen fish category anglers are at the Committee's final meeting for the year 1980 and it was decided to extend the ban requested to submit a completed claim form for each fish captured. This is particularly until further notice. The Committee in the meantime will keep the situation under important as it will establish a database on that species and enable further investigation annual review and looks forward to the continued co-operation of anglers in the and comparison of future claims. With most species the body will have to be forwarded conservation of the species. for positive identification. Other arrangements would apply for large fish. The availability of the body is essential to allow the Committee to verify positive Captors Addresses: Because of difficulties in establishing eligibility for the 10 identification of the species. The claim form will allow monitoring of numbers and Species, 50 Specimen and 10 Specimen Awards, captors are advised to inform the weights of the species. This facilitates assessment of the likelihood of capture, the likely Committee of any changes in their addresses. specimen weight and the availability and seasonality of the species. It is difficult to legislate for every situation that may arise but it must be stated that the final decision BIG GAME FISH will rest with the Committee and will be based on a balanced review of the information Since 2000 the ISFC has adopted a watching brief with regard to the rules governing available. While this process is progressing some details of interesting fish captured will the capture of big game fish. Based on the deliberations of an ISFC sub-committee be reported in the annual report as necessary. apppointed in 2002 revised rules derived from relevant sections from the International Game fish Assocation (IGFA) rules have been incorporated into the existing ISFC rules IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING CLAIMS (see Rule 2).

Place of capture: all claims must include the name of the water in which the fish was caught (e.g., Monalty Lake) and in the case of the larger systems, the area (e.g., River Shannon - Rooskey). 39 40 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT WEIGHING OF FISH Weighing instruments and certification: The Committee insists that all fish be Weighing Scale Certification weighed on scales which are verified for accuracy. Shop scales normally used in trade LIST OF REGIONAL VERIFICATION CENTRES are checked regularly by officers of the Legal Metrology Service (National Standards Authority of Ireland) and are acceptable for weighing specimen and record fish. Club or Legal Metrology Service, National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), Glasnevin, Dublin 9. personalised (i.e. scales not normally certified by the Weights and Measures Authority Region & Area Contact Telephone No. for trade purposes) can be certified for accuracy by this agency. A full listing of Legal Cork Regional James Stapleton Mobile Metrology Centres throughout the country where scales can be independently certified Verification Centre 087 - 224 5533 are presented on Page 42. Such scales if certified in advance are acceptable to the NSAI, Legal Metrology Service, Rossa Ave., Bishopstown, Cork 4. Committee for weighing purposes. Certification will be valid for one year from the date Ph: 021 - 346 256 Fax: 021 - 326 999 of issue of the certificate of accuracy. The manufacturers certificate of accuracy will not Dublin Regional Ronán O’Doherty 01 - 864 3848 suffice. Weights from scales which are not certified at the time of weighing or certified Verification Centre in retrospect will not be accepted. NSAI, Legal Metrology Service, Poppintree Ind. Estate, Ballymun, D 11. Metrification: Since 1978, the schedule of specimen weights on the Specimen Fish Claim Ph: 01 - 864 3848 Fax: 01 - 864 3880 Form has been presented in the Imperial (lbs and ozs) and Metric (kilograms and grams) Limerick Regional Denis Corkery Mobile systems. Claims will be accepted under either system until E.U. legislation dictates Verification Centre 087 - 223 1053 otherwise. Weights are also acceptable as decimal of lbs (e.g. 2.25 lbs = 2lbs 4 ozs). NSAI, Legal Metrology Service, Plassey Technological Park, Castletroy, Limerick. Ph: 061 - 330 708 Fax: 061 - 330 698

Sligo Regional Tony Marren Mobile Verification Centre 087 - 223 1058 NSAI, Legal Metrology Service, Finiskillen Industrial Est.,Sligo. Ph: 071 - 507 38 Fax: 071 - 507 39

Waterford Regional William Keogh Mobile Verification Centre 087 - 224 7121 NSAI, Legal Metrology Service, Northern Industrial Est., Waterford. Ph: 051 - 358 020 Fax: 051 - 358 021 Dundalk Regional Kieran Finlay Mobile Verification Centre 087 - 223 1079 NSAI, Legal Metrology Service, IDA Small Business Park, Coes Rd., Dundalk, Co. Louth. Ph: 042 - 933 2758 Fax: 042 - 933 2791

Galway Regional Dave Conneely Mobile Verification Centre 087 - 223 1051 NSAI, Legal Metrology Service, Ballybrit Ind. Est., Ballybane, Galway. Ph: 091 - 771 943 Fax: 091 - 758 932

Dublin HQ (Administration) Pat Farragher 01 - 807 3807 Legal Metrology Service, NSAI, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Ph: 01 - 807 3807 Fax: 01 - 807 3808 41 42 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

PRESENTATION OF 2001 AWARDS DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIMEN AWARDS

The ISFC is very grateful to Mr. Michael Guilfoyle, Asst. Secretary General, Dept. of The number of specimen fish taken by visiting anglers in recent years may be of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources who made the Annual Presentation of interest for purposes of comparison. The details are listed below: Awards to anglers whose claims were accepted during 2001 at the Doyle Burlington Hotel, Dublin on 23rd February, 2002. Year Ireland Britain Holland Germany Belgium France Other TOTAL At the VISMA angling exhibition held in Rotterdam Holland on 20th March 2002, (UK) (NL) (D) (B) (F) - Dutch and Belgian anglers were presented with their awards in association with the Central Fisheries Board Angling Section and Bord Failte. 1980 355 77 54 13 9 2 n/d 510 1981 390 111 31 19 6 2 n/d 559 1982 404 104 61 18 4 4 n/d 595 Acknowledgements 1983 532 116 31 15 2 4 n/d 700 Maximum of three specimen fish of any one species per angler rule introduced in 1984 Photographs: The majority of photographs in this report are taken by anglers. Good quality photographs have enhanced the report considerably over the past decade and 1984 442 131 29 17 5 2 n/d 626 anglers are encouraged to send good quality photographs of specimen fish catches to the 1985 443 90 25 15 3 2 n/d 578 Committee. All will be considered for publication. The Committee is extremely grateful 1986 349 93 21 16 3 7 n/d 489 to anglers, staff, charter skippers and other supporters who submitted photographs this year or assisted in photograph processing particularly Mark Gannon, Danny Goldrick, 1987 300 59 36 8 1 4 n/d 408 Marian Klunder, Colm Barnes, Dan Smith, Jim Clohessy, John Brittain, Peter Green, 1988 259 60 14 5 4 4 n/d 346 Garry Hannon, Paul Bourke and Mick McVeigh. 1989 261 48 18 10 0 0 n/d 337 Special acknowledgements: Charter skippers, club members, guesthouse owners, 1990 286 45 21 23 4 1 n/d 380 tackle dealers and staffs from the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards who follow up 1991 332 46 30 19 1 3 n/d 431 claims and ensure that the necessary paperwork is attended to are gratefully 1992 336 56 32 9 1 3 n/d 437 acknowledged. 1993 352 45 30 16 3 4 n/d 450 Two sections of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland 1994 282 39 33 13 1 2 n/d 370 (DARDNI) continue to provide an excellent fish identification service for anglers in 1995 295 55 35 18 7 1 n/d 411 Northern Ireland and the ISFC is indebted to staff in both. Special thanks are due to the extremely cooperative staff of the Legal Metrology Service NSAI for certification of 1996 307 69 27 6 4 2 n/d 415 scales. 1997 449 57 28 9 5 4 n/d 552 1998 344 53 46 6 5 4 n/d 458 1999 310 35 33 3 1 1 1 384 2000 403 48 41 13 1 0 2 508 2001 427 37 28 5 4 3 4 508 2002 471 43 23 7 6 2 7 559

43 44 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

ACCOUNTS/DONATIONS

Accounts: A statement of the Committee’s accounts for the year ending December 31st 2001 is presented above. The 2002 accounts will be published in the 2003 report.

Donations: The ISFC is a voluntary body and all activities are funded by donations from diverse sources. Our principal donors are the Central Fisheries Board and the Marine Institute. Bord Failte has substantially increased its grant from 2003 onwards. The ISFC is extremely grateful to all. Benefactors in 2002 were:

The Central Fisheries Board; Marine Institute; Crosshaven SAC; Delphi Fishery Ltd; Dolphin Richview SAC; Glengormley & District SAC; Tralee Bay Sea Angling Club; Waterville Anglers. Finbarr & John Barry, Cork Harbour Boats Ltd., 3 Glenbrook Terrace, Glenbrook, Co. Cork; M.P. Brindle, 2 Budmouth Avenue, Preston, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6JW, England; Ian Brown, 1 Dillons Court, Whiteabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 0SY; FHE Buller, Holly Tree, Woodlands, South Heath, Gt. Middledon, Bucks., England; Sean Clohessy, Castlehyde, Richmond, Glanmire, Co. Cork; Jim Clohessy, 8 Glyntown Heights, Glanmire, Co. Cork; P.J. Coleman, 49 Clancey Road, Finglas, Dublin 11; Brendan Doran, 69 Clonmore Heights, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath; PF Dore, St. Annes, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny; E. Duggan, 25 The Drive, Broadale, Douglas Cork City; James Farrell, 137 Leinster Road, Dublin 6; A.J. Hall, 12 Helmsdale Road, Rise Park, Romford Essex, RM1 4DW, England; Richard Hancox, 30 Greenfield Avenue, Northampton NT32AA, England; Burkhard Hobler, Macatreer, c/o Cross P.O., Co. Mayo; Philip Hodgins, 194 Meadow Grove Dundrum, Dublin 16; Edward Howard, 46 Rose Hill West, Ballinacurra, Midleton, Co. Cork; Terry Jackson, 20 Cook's Brae, Kircubbin, Co. Down, BT22 2SQ; Richard Kelter, 25 Shanakill, Tralee, Co. Kerry; Pat Kirwan, 207 Bunting Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12; Christy Lane, 10 Harringtons Square, Dillons Cross, Cork City; Noel Lane, 65 Silverheights Avenue, Mayfield, Cork; J. Leonard, Skahana, Union Hall, Co. Cork; Joe Lynch, 20 Lisadel Estate, Maryborough Hills, Douglas, Cork; Peter Manning, Ballycotton Sea Angling Centre, Church Road, Ballycotton, Co. Cork; Ken Mc Auley, 55 Iduntersluoy, Ballycraigy Road, Larne, Co. Antrim; Raymond Mc Evoy, 4 Marian Terrace, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; W.F. Mc Laughlin, 27 Castle Gardens, Limavady, BT49DSD N.Ireland; David Mc Lean, 3 Beechlawns, Beaufort Place Navan, Co Meath; Martin Mc Neill, 29 Regents Park, Larne, Co. Antrim, BT40IDA; Brian McGilloway, Roshine Road, Killybegs, Co. Donegal; Rev. Francis Murphy, Liscard House, Oughterard, Co. Galway; Patrick Murray, Ashore, Murroe, Co. Limerick; Brian Nolan, Enagh, Kilkishen, Co. Clare; Sean O'Connor, Ballydavid Angling Charter, Ballydavid, Dingle Peninsula, Tralee, Co. Kerry; Noel O'Connor, 13 St. Brendans Terrace, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway; Karl O'Leary, 33 Meadowlawn, Raheen, Limerick;

45 46 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

Donal O'Mahony,16 Island Way, Muskery Estate, Ballincollig, Co. Cork; Brian IRISH RECORD FISH O'Neill, No.9 The Hermitage, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford; John A.O'Shea, 6 Raphoe FRESHWATER SPECIES Road, Crumlin., Dublin 12; Charles Robinson, Stella Maris, Churchill, Wicklow; Bill Ryan; 3 Raheen Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24; Trevor Ryder, Gortamore, Downings, Species Weight Date of Capture Place of Capture Captor Co. Donegal; Werner Sammann, Bootsbaumeister, Steenflage 3, 49406 Barnstorf, lbs. ozs. Germany; Gerry Singleton, Marlinstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath; Mike Dingle Tudor, Lomondside Cottage, The Loan, Falkland, Fife KY158BD, Scotland; Robert Bream 12 3 22.5.1997 Bolganard Lake Paul Mathers Williams, "The Brig", Fennells Bay, Myrtleville, Co. Cork. Carp 29 13 5.7.1998 The Lough, Cork. Sidney Kennedy Dace 1 2 8. 8.1966 River Blackwater, John T. Henry Cappoquin Eel 6 15 12. 6.1979 L. Droumenisa, Bantry J. Murnane Perch 5 8 1946 Lough Erne S. Drum Pike (Lake) 41 17. 2.2002 Lough Ross, CrossmaglenIan Wortley Pike (River) 42 0 22. 3.1964 River Barrow M. Watkins Roach 1.425 kg 6.10.2002 Drumacritten Lake Terry Jackson Roach/Bream Hybrid7 24.4.2002 River Bann, Toome Roy Gretton Rudd 4 8 5.9.1996 Coney Lake Hugh Gough Rudd/Bream Hybrid7 10 19.10.1996 Monalty Lake Brendan Doran Tench 8.15 lbs 20.6.1995 Ballyeighter Lake Nick Parry Salmon 57 0 1874 River Suir M. Maher Brown Trout (Lake)26 2 15. 7.1894 Lough Ennell Wm. Mears Brown Trout (River)20 0 22. 2.1957 River Shannon, Major Hugh Place Corbally Sea Trout 16 6 29.10.1983 Shimna River, Thomas McManus Co. Down MARINE SPECIES

Species Weight Date of Capture Place of Capture Captor lbs. ozs. Angler Fish 42.985 kg 3.11.1985 Belfast Lough Sean Neill Bass 17 13 21. 10.2000 Doughmore Strand Emmet Naughton Black Sole 6.32 lbs 28.12.1986 Ballycotton Eddie Cull Bluemouth 2.4 lbs 26.06.2002 Caherciveen Hugh Maguire Brill 9 8 8. 9.1984 Causeway Coast Deborah Gregg Coalfish 31.45 18.07.2002 Galley Head Rob Stott Cod 42 0 1921 Ballycotton I.L. Stewart A 35 lb Cod for Dutchman Rini Anemaet out of Courtmacsherry in late August Conger Eel 72 0 June, 1914 Valentia J. Green Dab 2 5.5 2.10.2002 Cork Harbour Mick Duff Spur Dogfish 21.25 10.8.2001 Dun Laoghaire Charlie Robinson Greater Spotted Dogfish 23 12 29. 5.1983 Valentia Tony Outmayjer Lesser Spotted Dogfish 4 4 26. 7.1982 Valentia Cor Heinis Flounder 4.91 lbs 2.10.1993 Ballyteigue Brian Russell Co. Wexford

47 48 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

MARINE SPECIES (Contd.) SCHEDULE OF SPECIMEN WEIGHTS IRISH RECORD SPECIMEN WEIGHT Species Weight Date of Capture Place of Capture Captor FRESHWATER FISH lbs ozs lbs ozs kg lbs. ozs. Garfish Bream (Abramis brama) 12 3 7.5 3.402 (B. bellone) 3 10.25 16. 9.1967 Kinsale Evan Bazzard Carp (Cyprinus carpio) 29 13 12 5.443 Garfish Dace (Leuciscus leucisus) 1 2 0.772 0.35 (B. svetovidovi) 1.11 5. 8.1994 Courtmacsherry Eric Leijten Eel (Anguilla anguilla) 6 15 3 1.361 Tub Gurnard 12 3.5 8. 8.1973 Bullsmouth, Achill Robert Seaman Perch (Perca fluviatilis) 5 8 2.646 1.2 Grey Gurnard 3 1 21. 9.1967 Rosslare Bay Brendan Walsh Pike (Esox lucius) (Lake) 41 0 30 13.608 Red Gurnard 3 9.5 17. 7.1968 Belmullet James Prescott Pike (Esox lucius) (River) 42 0 20 9.072 Haddock 10 13.5 15. 7.1964 Kinsale F.A.E. Bull Roach (Rutilus rutilus) 1.425 kg 2 0.907 Hake 25 5.5 28. 4.1962 Belfast Lough H. W. Steele Roach/Bream Hybrid 7 0 3.528 1.6 Halibut 156 0 23. 7.1972 Belmullet Frank Brogan Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) 4 8 2.25 1.021 Herring 0.425 kg 11. 7.1986 Rathlin Island Wm. McMath Rudd/Bream Hybrid 7 10 3 1.361 John Dory 7 8 12. 8.1984 Killala Bay Cleona Walkin Tench (Tinca tinca) 8.15 6 2.722 Ling 48 8 29. 5.2000 Courtmacsherry Tony Sol Salmon (Salmo salar) 57 0 20 9.072 Mackerel 4 2 18. 9.1979 Ballycotton Ulrich Plassmann Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) (Lake) 26 2 10 4.536 Megrim 1.85 kg 26. 7.1987 Killala Paul Hennigan Monkfish 73 0 1. 6.1980 Fenit, Co. Kerry James Boyd Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) (River) 20 0 5 2.268 Grey Mullet 9.10 lbs 26. 9.1993 Cork Harbour Cay Heerwagen Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) 16 6 6 2.722 Plaice 8.23 lbs 23. 1.1982 Ballycotton Pier Edmund Cull Slob Trout (Salmo trutta) 10 4.536 Pollack 19 3 1904 Ballycotton J.N. Hearne Pouting 4 13.5 2. 4.1983 Kilmore Quay John Devereaux SEA FISH Thornback Ray 37 0 28. 5.1961 Ling Rocks, Kinsale M. J. Fitzgerald Angler Fish (Lophius piscatorius) 42.985 kg 40 18.144 Blonde Ray 36 8 9. 9.1964 Cork Harbour D. Minchin Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) 17 13 10 4.536 Sting Ray 33.2 kg 19. 5.1999 Tralee Bay Michael Wall Black Sole (Solea solea) 6.32 2 0.907 Cuckoo Ray 5 11 3. 8.1975 Causeway Coast V. Morrison Bluemouth (Helicolenus dactylopterus) 2.4 1.9845 0.9 Undulate Ray 18 0 11. 6.1977 Fenit Ann-Mari Liedecke Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus) 9 8 5 2.268 Homelyn Ray 8.28 lbs 28. 9.1983 Cork Harbour Edmund Cull Coalfish (Pollachius virens) 31.45 15 6.804 Painted Ray 17.21 lbs 29. 8.1994 Garryvoe, Co. Cork Edmund Cull Cod (Gadus morhua) 42 0 20 9.072 Electric Ray 40 kg 24. 8.2002 Achill Shay Boylan Conger (Conger conger) 72 0 40 18.144 Ray's Bream 6 4.25 26. 8.1979 Valentia Martin Sarney Dab (Limanda limanda) 2 5.5 1.5 0.680 Red Sea Bream 9 6 24. 8.1963 Valentia P. Maguire Dogfish - Spur (Squalus acanthias) 21.25 12 5.443 Twaite Shad 1.54 kg 7. 5.1999 St. Mullins Michael O’Leary - Lesser Spotted (Scyliorhinus caniculus) 4 4 3.25 1.474 Porbeagle Shark 365 lbs 1932 Keem Bay, Achill Dr. O'Donel Brown - Greater Spotted (Scyliorhinus stellaris) 23 12 16 7.257 Blue Shark 206 lbs 7.10.1959 Achill Head J. McMonagle Flounder (Platichthys flesus) 4.91 3 1.361 Six Gilled Shark 154 lbs 28. 8.1968 Kinsale Andrew Bull Garfish (Belone bellone) 3 10.5 2.25 1.021 Common Skate 221 lbs 1913 Ballycotton T. Tucker -(Belone svetovidovi) 1.11 14 ozs 0.355 White Skate 165 lbs 7. 8.1966 Clew Bay Jack Stack Gurnard - Tub (Trigla lucerna) 12 3.5 5 2.268 Scad 1.97 lbs 6. 9.1986 Clonakilty Master R. McCarthy - Grey (Eutrigla gurnardus) 31 1.5 0.68 Smooth Hound 16.58 lbs 25. 9.2000 Carne Keith Gray - Red (Aspitigla cuculus) 3 9.5 2 0.907 Stone Basse 10 13 2. 8.1989 Kinsale Stefano D'Amico Three Bearded Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglifinus) 10 13.5 7 3.175 Rockling 3 1 1. 5.1990 Arklow Maurice Laurent Hake (Merluccius merluccius) 25 5.5 10 4.536 Tope 66 8 15. 7.1979 Carlingford Lough Cyril Young Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) 156 0 50 22.68 Torsk 10 11 17. 9.1995 Port-na-Blagh Liam Brennan Herring (Clupea harengus) 0.425 kg 0.75 0.34 Trigger Fish 4.83 30.9.1995 Ballydavid Nicholas Ward John Dory (Zeus faber) 7 8 4 1.814 Turbot 34 9.6.1982 Cork Harbour Frank Fleming Ling (Molva molva) 48 8 25 11.34 Tuna - Albacore -- - - Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) 4 2 2.5 1.134 -Bluefin 440 kg 5.10.2001 Donegal Bay Adrian Molloy Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) 1.85 kg 1.75 0.794 Whiting 4 14.5 19. 3.1981 Kenmare Bay Comdt.M.J. O'Connor Monkfish (Squatina squatina) 73 0 50 22.680 Ballan Wrasse 4.3 kg 20. 8.1983 Clogher Head Bertrand Kron Mullet - Grey, thick lipped (Crenimugil labrosus)9.1 5 2.268 Cuckoo Wrasse 2 7 15. 9.1998 Causeway Coast Brian McLoughlin -Red (Mullus surmuletus) - 1 0.454

49 50 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

SCHEDULE OF SPECIMEN WEIGHTS Contd. IRISH SPECIMEN FISH COMMITTEE RULES PLEASE READ CAREFULLY IRISH RECORD SPECIMEN WEIGHT SEA FISH (Contd.) lbs ozs lbs ozs kg (1) IRISH SPECIMEN FISH COMMITTEE: This Committee consists of Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) 8.23 4 1.814 representatives of the Irish Angling Federations and the Government Departments Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) 19 3 12 5.443 and official organisations interested in angling. Its objective is to verify, record and Pouting (Trisopterus luscus) 4 13.5 3 1.361 Ray - Thornback (Raja clavata) 37 0 20 9.072 publicise the capture of large fish on rod and line in Irish waters. A list of Specimen - Blonde (Raja brachyura) 36 8 25 11.340 Fish is published annually by the Committee. Only fish which can be fully - Cuckoo (Raja naevus) 5 11 4.5 2.041 vouched for as to weight and species can be accepted and listed by the Committee. - Electric (Torpedo nobiliana) 40 kg 20 9.072 - Homelyn (Raja montagui) 8.28 5 2.268 (2) FAIR ANGLING: "Fair Angling" means any legitimate method of angling with - Undulate (Raja undulata) 18 14 6.350 - Painted (Raja microcellata) 17.21 10 4.536 rod and reel which is recognised as a fair and sporting method. A fish must be - Sting (Dasyatis pastinaca) 33.2 kg 30 13.608 hooked in or in the immediate vicinity of the mouth when it has taken the bait or Ray's Bream (Brama brama) 6 4.25 5 2.268 lure; fish which have been foul-hooked, even accidentally, are not eligible. A fish Red Sea Bream (Pagellus bogaraveo) 9 6 4.5 2.041 in respect of which a claim is made must be hooked, played and brought to gaff or Rockling, Three Bearded net by the angler UNAIDED, though the fish may be gaffed or netted by another, (Gaidropsarus vulgaris) 3 1 1.75 0.794 and it is permissible for the person using the gaff to take hold of the trace or Scad (Trachurus trachurus) 1.97 1.5 0.680 Shad - Allis (Alosa alosa) - 4 1.814 doubled line (in the case of big game fishing) to steady the fish when it has been - Twaite (Alosa fallax) 1.54 kg 2.4255 1.1 played out and brought within reach. If a fixed rod holder is in use while boat Shark - Porbeagle (Lamna nasus) 365 0 150 68.038 fishing, and a fish strikes, the rod must be removed from the holder as quickly as - Blue (Prionace glauca) 206 0 100 45.359 possible. This is to ensure that the angler hooks and plays the fish with rod in hand. - Thresher (Alopias vulpinus) - 120 54.431 Where a fighting chair is employed, it must not have any mechanically driven - Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) - 200 90.718 device which aids the angler in playing a fish. Body harnesses (which attach the rod - Six- Gilled (Hexanchus griseus) 154 100 45.359 Skate - Common (Raja batis) 221 0 Suspended to the body) are permissible but must not be fixed to the chair. Gimbals must be - White (Raja alba) 165 0 120 54.431 free swinging including those which move in the vertical plane. Gimbals which - Long Nose (Raja oxyrinchus) - 80 36.287 permit the angler to rest or reduce strain while playing a fish are prohibited. Smooth Hound (Mustelus asterias) 16.58 7 3.175 Breakage of rod, reel or line, or alteration or substitution of tackle, while a fish is Stone Basse (Polyprion americanus) 10 13 8 3.628 being played, disqualify it for claim or record purposes. A fish may not be shot, Tope (Galeorhinus galeus) 66 8 40 18.144 lanced, clubbed or harpooned before landing. Claims for fish caught during the Torsk (Brosme brosme) 10 11 6 2.721 Trigger Fish (Balistes carolinensis) 4.83 3.25 1.474 statutory close season for the species (where this applies) cannot be accepted. Tuna - Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) - 26.46 12 - Bluefin (Thunnus thynnus) 240 kg 330.75 150 (3) WEIGHING: Fish must be weighed in the presence of independent, reliable Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) 34 0 18 8.165 witnesses on a properly certified scales, e.g., a shop scales or an official club scales Whiting (Merlangius marlangus) 4 14.5 3 1.361 which is covered by a certificate from the Weights and Measures Officer (see List Wrasse Ballan (Labrus bergylta) 4.3 kg 4.75 2.154 of Weighing Scales Certification Centres in this report). Claims cannot be accepted Wrasse Cuckoo (Labrus mixtus) 2 7 1.25 0.567 in respect of fish weighed on scales inappropriate to the size of the fish, e.g., fish in the 1 to 3 kg range weighed on balances weighing up to 50 kg or over and graduated in large divisions. Claims cannot be accepted in the case of fish which have been weighed on board a boat.

51 52 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002

Please note: All club and personal scales MUST be certified annually by an subsequently captures larger fish, these will be taken into account but the final independent agency. Weighing scales must be covered by a Certificate of number of awards for any species in a single year will not be more than three Accuracy at the time of weighing. They cannot be certified in retrospect, i.e. after the fish has been weighed. awards. By including this latter provision, it will ensure that the anglers competitive spirit is kept up and higher achievements could still be sought. (4) IDENTIFICATION: The identification of a fish must be fully documented where (6) SENDING FISH TO THE COMMITTEE: there is a possibility of its confusion with any other (and particularly larger) species. Please For this reason, the Committee, in respect of some species, insists that scales from the fish, close up photographs or the actual body must be forwarded as actual proof (1) Notify the Committee when a fish is being sent in for identification of identification, before it will consider claims. (Telephone 01 – 8842600; Fax: 01-8360060. E.Mail: [email protected]) FISH SCALES must be submitted in respect of claims for SALMON, SEA TROUT, BROWN TROUT (including SLOB TROUT). Any brown trout (2) Do not forward fish to the Committee before Bank Holidays or weekends; taken in tidal waters, i.e., in the sea or in an estuary below the freshwater (keep in a cold store or preferably frozen if fish cannot be delivered quickly boundary as defined for that river will be regarded for claim purposes as a on or before Friday afternoon). slob trout. About 50 scales scraped from each shoulder of the fish should be sent with the claim. (3) Please attach a label to each fish forwarded for identification giving the captor's name and address, date and place of capture and the weight of the THE ACTUAL BODY must be forwarded for identification in the case of the following species:- DACE, RUDD, RUDD/BREAM HYBRID, ROACH, fish. ROACH/BREAM HYBRID, MACKEREL, SCAD, HERRING, SHAD, FLOUNDER, DAB, BRILL, MEGRIM, GURNARDS, GREY MULLET, ANGLER (4) Fish (except small examples which have been previously soaked in formalin FISH, LESSER SPOTTED DOGFISH, THREE BEARDED ROCKLING, for at least 12 hours) should not be sent in polythene bags or wrapped in SMOOTH HOUND, RAYS BREAM, CUCKOO WRASSE, TORSK, "RIVER" aluminium foil as this causes very rapid decomposition. They should be EELS taken in tidal waters and GARFISH (head and gills only). wrapped in greaseproof paper and then in newspaper and brown paper.

CLEAR, SHARP, CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHS, showing the entire fish (7) AWARDS: Anglers whose claims have been accepted by the Committee will be with its fins and other features easily seen, and not fore-shortened or awarded special "Merit Badges" in the case of Specimen Fish and Silver Medals in obscured by shadows or bystanders must be provided in the case of TOPE, the case of Record Fish. Specimen Fish Certificates will also be issued in respect SHARKS, SKATE, RAYS, BLUEMOUTH, MONKFISH, POLLACK, of all ratified specimen fish, special medals to anglers who have captured ten or COALFISH, BALLAN WRASSE, TRIGGER FISH and ALBACORE more species and special badges are issued each year for fish of exceptional merit though not of record size. If necessary, the fish should be hung up for photographs. In the case of skates and rays, photographs of both back and belly surfaces should be provided and particulars IMPORTANT - Correspondence to Balnagowan House, Mobhi Boreen, Mobhi of the coloration given (with particular reference to the presence of dark or grey Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 (Tel: 01-8842600). Fish should be sent to Balnagowan spots, or streaks or patches on the belly side). Samples of the teeth should be House, Mobhi Boreen, Mobhi Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. furnished in the case of Porbeagle and Mako Sharks. In addition, there should be a In the case of marine fish taken in Northern Ireland send to Dr. Richard Briggs, clear close-up photograph showing the jaws and teeth exposed. Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Division, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, Ph: 028 90 255503, e-mail: (5) LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF CLAIMS: A maximum of three (3) awards [email protected]. In the case of freshwater species send to Dr. will be made to any particular claimant for a single species in any one year. Walter Crozier, Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, River Bush However, provision will be made that when an angler achieves this target and Salmon Station, 21 Church Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QJ, Ph: 028 207 31435,e-mail: [email protected]

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THE ”IMPOSSIBLE DREAM” So, began a dream that some day these giants of the deep, would be taken by anglers, Blue-fin Tuna in Irish Waters - The Story So Far heralding the arrival of Ireland as the sea angling capital of Europe. At times Kevin must have thought it was an impossible dream particularly after many fruitless NORMAN DUNLOP, Sea Angling Advisor with the Central Fisheries Board charts missions, including one voyage in 1979 of over 100 miles into the Atlantic to fish over the tuna story and the seminal role played by the late Kevin Linnane in realizing the Porcupine Bank. Kevin’s paper file on tuna expanded annually as increasing the angling potential of these mighty creatures of the sea. numbers of reports continued to come in. Each report was meticulously followed up and every minute detail of information was extracted. It all started in the early seventies when the late Kevin Linnane, then a sea angling officer with the Inland Fisheries Trust (later part of the Central Fisheries Board), Kevin retired from the Central Fisheries Board due to ill health in 1997, and it appeared discovered that Spanish and French commercial fleets fishing off the south west and that his vision would not be fulfilled. His efforts, however, had fired the imagination west coasts of Ireland were taking significant numbers of albacore and blue-fin tuna. of many anglers and skippers up and down the country, many of whom now shared the The methods employed by these commercial fleets, including long-lines and baited dream. hooks, led him to believe that it must be possible to catch these big game fish on rod and line. In the 1999 ISFC Report, “Irish Times” angling columnist Derek Evans, having spent a fruitless search for tuna while on holiday in the Canary Islands, wrote about the possibilities of blue-fin tuna on rod and line in Irish waters and urged budding tuna anglers to stay at home and try our own waters. To say that Derek was “right on the money” would be something of an understatement because the very next season on 25th September 2000 in Donegal Bay, Alan Glanville caught the first two Irish tuna.

Many people thought it was a flash in the pan that would never be repeated. The following season proved the sceptics wrong however, when Adrian Molloy smashed the year old Irish Record with a massive fish of 440kgs, some 200kgs above the

An unusual capture of Bluefin in the late 1970's

West Coast specimen Bluefin taken off Clifden in 2002

55 56 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 previous figure. This is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, fish ever taken on rod and KEVIN LINNANE (1942 - 2001) line in European waters. Last year, the Irish Specimen Fish Committee Report had gone to press when we got As readers of this years report can see, a further six fish were captured in 2002 and to the news of the untimely death of Kevin Linnane R.I.P. date it would appear that no specimens have been caught outside the west coast counties of Galway and Donegal. This is a little misleading, however, due to the fact that at least one and possibly all the Galway specimens came from the waters west of Clare Island across the border in Co. Mayo. These fish were landed and weighed at the port of departure, which was Clifden in Co. Galway. The skipper, John Brittain, has quite rightly ensured, that this was stated by the captors, on the specimen claim forms.

At the time of writing, no claim has been received for two other possible specimens known to have been captured in the same general area, while at least as many fish as have been recorded have been lost due to under-gunned tackle and lack of experience.

There was a mass of activity, west of Clare Island, during September and October 2002 with large pods of tuna, turning the sea to foam, in one feeding frenzy after another. Some of the pods were estimated to contain over 100 individual fish. The epicentre of all the commotion was around the Bills Rocks, which lie roughly half way between Clare Island and Achill Head. Angling boats from as far away as Wexford, Kerry and Donegal were lured into the area and this is where I had my one and only encounter with A fine Turbot a bluefin. for Kevin

Fishing with Francis Clarke on board his fully equipped boat “Gleneagle” we had towed a teaser bar full of multicoloured squid in and around the Bills for some two hours when Francis spotted fish on the surface about a mile off. Turning in a large arc to keep the teasers working, we had no sooner come around on the new bearing, when the outrigger (a converted boat rod) working the teaser bar bent almost double. There was a loud crack, followed by a huge splash behind the boat, and the whole lot was gone! Obviously the 300lbs monofilament was too light for whatever took our lures. It was unfortunate that the fish had hit the teaser bar in this way because we were also towing two large squid on 500lbs mono from two large Penn International reels, which would have coped much better.

Kevin died in December 2001, having survived long enough to see his dream fulfilled, but oh how I wish he could have seen those acres of bluefin crashing on the surface west of Clare Island.

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In 1966 he joined the Inland Fisheries Trust (IFT) as an accomplished sea angler with a vast amount of experience. Indeed he had already experienced one of the ultimate angling thrills having caught Porbeagle shark from the rocks of Clare under the tuition of the late Jack Shine. He brought to the IFT an infectious enthusiasm which seemed to be passed on to all who worked with him and to a vast number of anglers who came in contact with him all around Ireland and further afield.

His angling prowess was not confined solely to sea angling. He was an all round angler. Not many people know that Kevin won the prestigious “Golden Maggot” international species angling competition fished in Britain and the Artic Circle in the early 1970’s. The trophy, which is one of the smallest presented to the winner of a competition, consists of a gold maggot set on a hook. The winner has to catch the most species of fish (freshwater and marine) over a set period of time. His greatest love was sea angling and he went about his work with total commitment surveying new angling locations, publishing the results and promoting the product. It gave him immense satisfaction when sea anglers successfully fished these locations and sampled a unique angling experience. Belmullet is one of these areas and it is still highly regarded as one of the best “species” venues to this day.

Kevin was very competitive when fishing; he along with the late Des Brennan pioneered the Irish bass-tagging programme. That was in the days when vast shoals of bass were Kevin in a familiar pose in the latter stages of his career to be seen and caught in places like Dungarvan, Youghal, the Splaugh Rock and on the Kerry beaches. The aim was to tag as many bass as possible whilst the fish were feeding. In order to put a competitive edge to the tagging there were side bets, usually He had an abiding love of the sea and as a member of Clontarf Yacht Club he spent for a half-crown, on who would get the most fish tagged, the biggest fish or the first fish. some considerable time sailing. Quite a number of years ago he took up model making and concentrated on building exceptionally complicated models of three-masted sailing Kevin had a passion and vision for the development of angling in Ireland. In the early ships. Anyone who has seen the finished models can only be impressed with the 1970’s he pursued the scientific literature, talked to foreign fishermen, fished on French meticulous detail down to the miniature dead eyes. trawlers and even went to France in order to find out about Tunny migrations off the Irish coast. He knew if he could establish their migration patterns then it would open Kevin was Secretary of the Irish Specimen Fish Committee for ten years until he up a new dimension for Irish sea angling. He was so close to the solution 30 years ago resigned at the end of 1997. The enthusiasm he generated, his dedication and absolute and he lived to see his dream finally come alive in the last few years. commitment made the ISFC annual report one of the most desirable pieces of information for anglers at home and abroad. So knowledgeable was he that even in his Kevin had many other talents and he excelled in each of them. The films he scripted retirement he was consulted regularly by his colleagues and anglers alike on all shades and produced on the subjects of fishing and pollution will be long remembered for their of angling matters and also in relation to D.I.Y. activities. His passing has left a void dramatic impacts. Their quality was such that they were shown worldwide. He was also in the lives of his many friends and colleagues. an accomplished journalist producing many fine articles and a number of well regarded sea angling books. To Maeve, his wife, and to his sons Barry and Louis the Irish Specimen Fish Committee tenders its sincerest sympathies.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

59 60 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Notes:

Phillip Oliver with his 1.825 kg Roach/Bream Hybrid from Lough Beg in May 61 62 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Irish Specimen Fish Committee Annual Report 2002 Notes: Notes:

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